Amid the ongoing civil war in Syria, four Indian nationals who were evacuated from conflict-ridden Syria arrived at Delhi's IGI Airport on December 14. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a total of 77 Indian citizens have been brought back from Syria as of the same day. Syria's newly appointed Prime Minister, Mohammed al-Bashir, has prioritized the repatriation of Syrian refugees living abroad as a major initiative. However, the government is grappling with several challenges, including recent unrest near the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, which was set on fire. Additionally, concerns about Syria's political future—particularly Iran’s influence in the region—have been raised by Hezbollah and Israeli officials.
14 December,2024 12:42 PM ISTThe Government of India has successfully evacuated 75 Indian nationals from Syria due to the recent unrest in the country. This evacuation was carried out with coordination between the Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, after carefully assessing the security situation and responding to requests from Indian citizens in Syria. One of the evacuees, Ravi Bhushan, shared his terrifying experience after being brought back to safety. Speaking to ANI, he described the alarming conditions he faced in Syria. The evacuation aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens caught in the crisis, as the situation in the country worsened, and the government worked to bring them home amidst growing concerns.
12 December,2024 05:40 PM ISTA major explosion occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan, on December 11, near a mosque, killing Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the Afghan Taliban's acting Refugees Minister, along with six others. Haqqani was leaving the mosque after afternoon prayers when the blast happened. The Taliban spokesperson accused the Islamic State group of the attack, but ISIS did not claim responsibility. Haqqani was a senior leader of the Haqqani network, known for carrying out major attacks during the 20-year war. The U.S. had labeled him a "global terrorist" in 2011 and offered a $5 million reward for his capture. The Taliban had taken control of Afghanistan in 2021, but attacks in urban areas continue.
12 December,2024 04:33 PM ISTThe situation in Syria continues to be a major focus for many countries after Syrian rebels overthrew President Assad’s regime. Taking advantage of the chaos in Syria, the IDF has strengthened its presence along the Golan Heights at the Israel-Syria border. On December 11, the IDF released a video showing Israeli troops carrying out operations in a buffer zone near the Golan Heights. The IDF stated that the goal of these operations was to protect both the people of the Golan Heights and all Israeli civilians. However, despite the video release, Israel denied on December 10 that its forces had advanced into Syria beyond the Golan Heights buffer zone, insisting they had not crossed the line.
12 December,2024 04:15 PM ISTAfter more than five decades of President Bashar al-Assad's rule, Syria is witnessing a transformative period. Across the country, there is a visible shift towards a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The streets are filled with smiling faces, and the familiar sight of victory signs. Most notably, the return of employees to work marks an essential milestone in Syria's recovery. It seems as if normalcy has returned to Syria. In the wake of al-Assad’s over 50-year rule, Syria is now poised to enter a new chapter, where the future is determined not by a single leader but by the people themselves. Watch video for more.
11 December,2024 05:50 PM ISTOn December 8, President Bashar al-Assad’s 50-year-old regime in Syria was overthrown by rebel forces, who took control of Damascus after Assad fled to Russia. India has expressed concern over the situation and is in contact with its citizens in Syria to ensure their safety. U.S. President Joe Biden called the fall of Assad’s regime a “fundamental act of justice.” The United Nations urged Syrians to use this moment for a peaceful future. Meanwhile, Assad and his family have been granted asylum by Russia on humanitarian grounds, as Russia has been a strong ally of Assad throughout Syria’s civil war. Russia also has key military bases in Syria.
10 December,2024 11:45 AM ISTAmid reports of escalating violence in Bangladesh, former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam made a provocative demand on December 9, calling for a "surgical strike" on the neighboring country. The violence, which has reportedly been growing, has sparked concerns regarding the safety of minorities and political unrest within Bangladesh. In his statement, Krishnam suggested that India should take stronger action to address the situation, potentially through military intervention. His comments come at a time when tensions in the region are high, and there are ongoing concerns about the safety and welfare of vulnerable communities. Watch video for more.
09 December,2024 11:21 AM ISTAmid the increasing dangers due to the Syrian civil war, MEA on Dec 06 issued a travel advisory for Syria and advised Indian nationals to avoid travel until further notice. While advising Indian nationals, MEA asked them to be in contact with the Indian Embassy in Damascus and said “leave by the earliest”. Earlier during PC, MEA spox informed that there are around 90 Indian nationals in Syria, including 14 working in various UN Organizations. Warning from MEA comes in light of the situation prevailing in Syria, which poses significant risks to travelers. Syrian rebels made a major development on Dec 06 after they claimed to reach the key city of Homs a strategic town for President Bashar al-Assad. It was the third major city, after Aleppo and Hama in the northwest and center, to fall out of Assad's control in a week. The latest escalation in the Syrian civil war comes after years that was largely dormant for years. The conflict began in 2011, after Assad moved to stamp out peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring.
07 December,2024 01:23 PM ISTThe crisis Hindus are facing in Bangladesh has been ongoing for months, with minority groups being targeted in Dhaka. The recent arrest of ISKCON priests has sparked outrage worldwide. Bangladesh's Chief Advisor, Md Yunus, has faced strong protests and criticism since the violence against Hindus began. In Siliguri, West Bengal, posters with pictures of Yunus appeared, calling for people to spit on or beat his picture. A large protest was also held in Montreal by Canadian Bangladeshis to demand the government protect minority rights. Religious leaders worldwide have condemned the arrests and called for the priests' release. The violence against Hindus increased after former PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted on August 5. PM Modi has repeatedly condemned the violence and urged Yunus to take action.
03 December,2024 05:50 PM ISTRebels in Syria have taken control of most of Aleppo, marking a significant setback for President Assad’s forces after a surprise offensive. The violence has caused thousands to flee, with many seeking refuge in unsafe open areas, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Curfews were imposed in Aleppo City on Friday and Saturday, and all public facilities, including schools and universities, have been suspended. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and banks and ATMs are running out of cash. On November 30, Israel carried out airstrikes on facilities in Syria used by Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on December 1 that Israel is closely monitoring developments in Syria and will defend its interests.
02 December,2024 12:30 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT